The base of Zhenhai Pagoda

The base of Zhenhai Pagoda

The base of Zhenhai Pagoda is a cultural tourism attraction.

Zhenhai Pagoda is located north of the Thousand Buddha Pavilion. Originally part of the Yongzuo Chan Temple complex within Tianning Temple, it was first built in the third year of the Yuanyou era during the Yuan Dynasty (1337) and completed in the first year of the Zhizheng era (1341), making it an ancient pagoda from the Yuan Dynasty.

When it was built, Zhenhai Pagoda was the tallest and most striking in architectural design in the area, featuring an octagonal floor plan, seven stories, and a height of 24 zhang. It was highly praised throughout the Jiangnan region for its grandeur (as recorded in the Guangxu-era Haian County Annals). The base of the pagoda is a Sumeru pedestal, carved during the Yuan Dynasty and still relatively well-preserved today. The circumference of the pagoda’s base is approximately 34 meters.

The pagoda was named after the desire to subdue the sea through the tower, as the ancient Haiyan area frequently suffered from maritime disasters. It underwent multiple renovations during the Ming Dynasty. In the Qing Dynasty during the Qianlong era, the pagoda caught fire accidentally, resulting in the destruction of the body of the pagoda and leaving only the core remaining. It was then rebuilt. Multiple restorations were carried out during the Guangxu era and the Republican period.

In 1937 and 1938, the pagoda was bombarded twice by Japanese artillery, leaving extensive shrapnel damage on the northeastern half, particularly severe on the fifth and sixth floors, causing the structure to tilt significantly toward the southwest.

On August 1, 1956, the pagoda was struck by an 11-grade typhoon, which blew off the top. The upper part of the pagoda leaned even more noticeably. To ensure the safety of nearby theaters and residents, the government demolished the upper levels in 1960. Currently, only a little over two stories remain, with a height of just 20.7 meters. In 1966, it was converted into a water tower, surviving the Cultural Revolution and preserving what remained of the structure, which was later restored again.

Location of the Attraction

West Haibin Road, Haiyan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province

Type: Historical Site

Opening Hours:

8:00-16:30